A report out just last month, called “The Self-Sufficiency Standard”, examines how much income a Maryland family needs to cover the basic essentials–things like housing, child care, food, and transportation.

The report, which was published by the Maryland Community Action Partnership, found that median wages in Maryland have risen about 25% since 2001, but are not keeping up with the costs of basic essentials, which are up statewide about 54%.

Sheilah talks with the author of the study, Diana Pearce, who directs the Center for Women’s Welfare, which is based in the School of Social Work at the University of Washington. She also talks with two women who are working to make ends meet: Towanda Noble, a mom and a grandmother who’s a student in Baltimore, and Jessica Tye, who works in data entry and lives with her two daughters and husband in Carroll County.

Hi I am Tuwanda Noble, one of the interviewed in search of gainful employment.

I offer a very high level of organizational and attention to detail skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; positive, upbeat attitude; ability to remained focused while working long hours; Microsoft word, excel, access and power point experience; computer technology familiarity; and ability to effectively multi-task.

With a combination of my knowledge, training, skills and experience I can be a great access to any employer.